Liquid treatment apparatus and method for using same

Abstract

An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for treating a liquid comprising:
 outer, intermediate, and inner cylinders positioned concentrically with respect to each other, the outer, intermediate, and inner cylinders defining an outer annular chamber, an intermediate chamber, and an inner, central chamber; 
 an outer feed channel supplying liquid being treated to the outer annular chamber; 
 first and second flow generators having a unidirectional flow channel extending therethrough from adjacent an upstream end to adjacent a downstream end thereof mounted in the intermediate cylinder with the upstream ends of the flow generators communicating with the annular outer chamber to receive liquid therefrom and the downstream ends thereof communicating with the inner, central chamber; 
 the first flow generator having an outlet in the downstream end for generating a first flow stream of the liquid being treated, wherein the first flow generator is a cavitation generator adapted to generate a first flow stream including multiple cavitation bubbles or wherein the first flow generator is a nozzle adapted to generate a first flow stream substantially devoid of cavitation bubbles; 
 the second flow generator having an outlet in the downstream end for generating a second flow stream of the liquid being treated; 
 a reaction chamber positioned in the inner, central chamber and spaced apart from and positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator, the reaction chamber having an external wall including a cavity formed therein, the cavity having a first inlet situated in a confronting relationship with the outlet so that the cavity receives the first flow stream directly from the outlet of the first flow generator and wherein the received first flow stream is redirected in the cavity back towards the first inlet and out the cavity; and 
 a central, outwardly-flowing channel receiving liquid treated by the first and second flow generators. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second flow generator is directly opposed to the first flow generator. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity includes a second inlet adapted to receive the second flow stream, the first and second flow streams intersecting each other within the cavity. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity includes a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion in fluid communication with the first cavity portion. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein each of the first and second cavity portions is selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical bore, a tapered bore, and a generally arcuate bore. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity further comprises:
 a flow channel defined by a side wall and having the first inlet adapted to receive the first flow stream and a second inlet adapted to receive the second flow stream, the first and second flow streams intersecting each other within the cavity; and 
 a chamber disposed in the side wall of the flow channel, the chamber adapted to receive the fluid streams after intersection thereof. 
 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the chamber includes a multi-lobed configuration.